Wireless Security Question

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Balrog
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Wireless Security Question

Post by Balrog »

My experience with wireless computers is practically nil, so I appologize if this sounds noobish, but it's for something I'm working on. Does a wireless computer have to be connected to a wireless network in order to be hacked, or can it be done even if it isn't? In other words, if the computer was on but not connected, could someone still come up and gain access to it wirelessly?
'Ai! ai!' wailed Legolas. 'A Balrog! A Balrog is come!'
Gimli stared with wide eyes. 'Durin's Bane!' he cried, and letting his axe fall he covered his face.
'A Balrog,' muttered Gandalf. 'Now I understand.' He faltered and leaned heavily on his staff. 'What an evil fortune! And I am already weary.'
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Zac Naloen
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Post by Zac Naloen »

IIRC a Hacker will hack the network and by proxy be able to access your machine.

They cannot access your machine if it isn't an active device on the hacked network.

It's essentially the same as pulling the network cable on an ethernet network.
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Braedley
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Post by Braedley »

However, if you're computer is actively searching for a WiFi connection, then a hacker can make his computer look like a hotspot and gain access that way (if you connect to that of course). In that case, my advice is to turn off your WiFi card when not connected and not looking for a connection.
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Balrog
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Post by Balrog »

I don't actually have a wireless computer, but thanks for the answer.
'Ai! ai!' wailed Legolas. 'A Balrog! A Balrog is come!'
Gimli stared with wide eyes. 'Durin's Bane!' he cried, and letting his axe fall he covered his face.
'A Balrog,' muttered Gandalf. 'Now I understand.' He faltered and leaned heavily on his staff. 'What an evil fortune! And I am already weary.'
- J.R.R Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
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